As we get into the holiday season, it’s a good time to think of some relaxing times spent at home with loved ones. Having a nice meal, meeting new spouses and grandchildren, or just coming together finally after a long time apart- it is a period of joy and togetherness.
For these reasons and more, it is of the utmost importance to watch yourself on the road. There are a lot of extra drivers out there on the freeway systems and in the local streets as well. Over three hundred people are estimated to die on the roads every year around December 25th. And driving by car is the most fatal way to travel by far, especially at this time of year.
Maintaining the safety of your loved ones, however, is just a matter of following some guidelines and keeping your wits about you.
It is important to have a map and directions handy in case your GPS lets you down. Being lost or confused on the road is a sure way to increase your chances of risky or insecure driving. You don’t want to be driving hesitantly when the road is full of other drivers that may be lost as well.
Look out for storms, flooding, blizzards, and more. Don’t be afraid to change your route, delay your start or even cancel your trip in the face of a major weather event. No one wants to miss a celebration, but sometimes it is worth it to learn to stay home.
A lot of holiday rides feature cars packed with cousins, grandparents, and even the family pets. It is very important to make sure to respect your car or van’s guidelines for the number of passengers who can safely travel within it. It is also essential that the drive be calm and quiet for the focus of the driver.
First-Aid kits, sub-zero-proof sleeping bags, emergency rations, and roadside flares can make all the difference in the world if you find yourself stranded. This is especially true in winter conditions. Even a couple of hours in a cold car can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and other serious medical issues. Having a charged cell phone is a smart way to be prepared, but the flares and survival equipment will come in handy if you are somewhere without cell phone service.
If the worst does happen and you do find yourself in an accident, make sure to follow the expected protocol: call the police, take pictures and witness information and get in touch with a qualified, local attorney. Stay calm and don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Most localities that expect snowfall every year are well prepared to rescue stranded drivers and deal with snowy crashes.
All these things considered, though, you should not face the holiday season with fear. But it is important to be as safe as possible. Everyone is headed to an important destination, and it is the responsibility of every driver, and passenger, to get there without danger.
blogs
Accidents with the Uninsured
Let’s say the worst happens and you find yourself in a serious car accident. Even if everything after the crash goes according to plan, it is a difficult and confusing process. But if you add to all this the fact that the other person is not insured, you could be left facing an absolute nightmare. […]
Getting the Best Price on Your Auto Insurance Policy
Keeping everything with your vehicle in the best shape can seem like a job with a lot of moving parts. Maintenance, safety, registration, insurance, etc.! While keeping your insurance on auto-draft every billing cycle is a great way to keep it out of sight and out of mind, it can also be a great way […]
Who is Liable if an Airbag Fails to Deploy During a Car Accident?
An airbag is an automobile device designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision. The airbag prevents a person from hitting their face on the dashboard or steering wheel. They’re customarily hidden but inflate instantly when a crash begins. When Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy? As soon as the Airbags work by inflating vehicle starts […]
Great Motorcycle Roads in Arizona
There’s no freer way to see the great state of Arizona than to travel it by motorcycle. Being one of the last gateways to the West Coast, our streets are manifold, so your options are virtually endless. Whether you’re touring to see the mountains, the wildlife, the succulents or other plants, or just visit towns […]
5 Ways Parents can Encourage Safe Teen Driving
For teenagers, getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone. It marks the beginning of independence and instills a sense of responsibility. Most teen parents often share their children’s excitement but remain equally apprehensive since they’re well-aware of the dangers that come with driving. And they do have a perfectly valid reason to fret because […]
5 Things to Avoid After a Car Accident in California
After an auto accident in California, you’ll get all sorts of advice on what to do next. Some people will advise you to contact the police, exchange driver information, talk witnesses into giving their statement, call 911, and many other tips. While they’re all looking out for you, rarely does anyone tell you what not […]
Pedestrian Safety
For obvious reasons, there’s much more discussion out there about safe driving, or even safe bicycle riding, than there is about being a safe pedestrian. After all, it seems like we should just be able to walk safely down a street, and especially where pedestrians have right of way, walking seems like the safest option. […]
How Truck Accidents are Different from Car Crashes
Even though all types of auto accident are dangerous and have the potential to cause life-altering injuries, truck accidents are nearly, if not always catastrophic or fatal. Unfortunately, they’re becoming quite common. According to the Truck Safety Coalition, about 5,000 people died in truck crashes last year, marking a 46% increase in truck crash deaths […]
Tips for Pedestrian Safety
We all know that walking to work is good for your health. The benefits of fresh air, increased heart rate, and the relaxing effects of movement are well documented. It’s healthy to walk anywhere! But, what about the risks? When you hear medical advice, suggesting that you walk more, you rarely hear about the dangers […]
Purchase or Replace a Lemon Car? Californian Lemon laws Relating to the Decisions
If your vehicle meets the Californian lemon law requirements, you have the right to ask for a car replacement or monetary compensation from the manufacturer. For financial compensation, the manufacturer is required to restore the buyer to their original position. However, if you prefer a car replacement, the manufacturer compensates you with a similar vehicle. […]
contact form
